Guys, give me advice on what to choose. But only from these two. Do not offer others. Thank you! Contitech or Bosch?

Comments 27

I'm watching Gates. He's kind of very soft or something. The teeth are pressed with a fingernail. It should be like this or not. Bosch and Kontitek have stiffer belts. Who used Gates?

I think it's Bosch, from what's suggested, but it's better to install gates and forget about the timing belt

How many times have I come across a fake from both Bosch and other manufacturers (All this is China industrial). As a result, I only install VAZ and there are no problems. I had a factory timing belt, it was about 100,000, I decided to change it, I installed the Bosch the next day in the cold and on the lake it broke while driving, after that it was just a quick fix.

In fact, VAZ doesn’t make belts, either some famous company or Balakovo

I meant the Russian manufacturer, Balakovo is the best domestic manufacturer of timing belts. You can also buy premium class ones from anyone. The best timing belts in the mid-price segment

1 Balakovo The best domestic manufacturer of timing belts 500 rub. 2 Bosch Optimal value for money 800 rub. 3 Lemforder One of the best manufacturers of auto components 1000 rub. The best premium timing belts

1 Gates The most famous manufacturer of timing belts RUB 3,000 2 Contitech The best quality RUB 2,400 3 Dayco Best price. The most underrated brand RUB 1,750.

So I’ve driven 8 so far, 70 thousand miles, I bought a Balakovo once and forgot about it)

I meant the Russian manufacturer, Balakovo is the best domestic manufacturer of timing belts. You can also buy premium class ones from anyone. The best timing belts in the mid-price segment

1 Balakovo The best domestic manufacturer of timing belts 500 rub. 2 Bosch Optimal value for money 800 rub. 3 Lemforder One of the best manufacturers of auto components 1000 rub. The best premium timing belts

1 Gates The most famous manufacturer of timing belts RUB 3,000 2 Contitech The best quality RUB 2,400 3 Dayco Best price. The most underrated brand RUB 1,750.

How many belts have I changed for louse Balakovo Gates Daiko and a few other companies, the ones I got the best are Gates, followed by Bosch, Balakovo ones are the most disgusting quality, the belt was enough for 300 km, I installed it and went Balakovo reinforced every 50 km, stopped and pulled it up for 300 km was not enough roller to tighten, I live in Balakovo and I know what kind of feces they are made from and how many of them are cooked here in the basements for the factory

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Which timing belt is better ? This question is asked by many car enthusiasts when the time comes to replace it. The timing belt is changed mainly according to regulations. Typically, the frequency is 60...90 thousand kilometers (the values ​​of routine maintenance depend on the specific car model, sometimes it runs 120 km, such information is available in the technical documentation for the car).

The range of different timing belts is quite wide. Depending on the brand, it differs in both price and quality. Therefore, the answer to the question of which timing belt to choose will always be a compromise of several decisions. In particular, quality, cost, availability of the product for sale, reviews about it on the Internet. At the end of this material, a rating of timing belts is presented, based on reviews found on the Internet, as well as their real tests. The purpose of the rating is to make it easier for ordinary car owners to choose a belt.

When to change the belt

On any car, replacing the timing belt can be planned or emergency. Planned replacement is carried out according to regulations in accordance with technical requirements. However, if you bought a cheap, bad one that is not original or a fake, then an emergency may arise.

It is also possible that the belt wears out, which significantly reduces its service life. This may be caused by improper operation of other elements that are driven by the belt or parts of the gas distribution mechanism. As a result, the timing belt eats.

So, the following malfunctions can lead to an unscheduled replacement of the timing belt:

• Incorrect belt tension. Usually this is overstretching, which leads to significant wear of its material, cracking, and delamination. Weak tension can lead to teeth breaking. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically check the timing belt tension value (this does not apply to machines equipped with an automatic system for checking the corresponding value).
• Replacing the belt without replacing the rollers. Often, inexperienced car owners, trying to save money, do not install new rollers along with a new belt. Under such conditions, the belt will most likely fail before its expected time.
• High temperatures. Due to constant overheating of the engine, the belt material may crack. Accordingly, it is necessary to monitor the operation of the engine cooling system.
• Damage to the timing cover. Depressurization will most likely result in dirt, oil, water and other substances harmful to the unit getting onto the drive and related elements.

Main manufacturers

Despite all the diversity of automakers, there are 3 most common brands of timing belts that supply their spare parts to the assembly line - Gates, ContiTech and Dayco. Therefore, when selecting a strap for the operation of the gas distribution mechanism, they most often buy products from these 3 top companies. Especially if the car is Russian or European.

Belts from the UNITTA and SUN brands can be found on sale for Japanese cars. However, these companies are actually divisions of the larger Gates company. Accordingly, for the “Japanese” it is quite possible to buy a Gates timing belt. MITSUBOSHI belts are produced for Japanese MITSUBISHI cars as originals. Therefore, for cars of this manufacturer, ideally you need to install timing belts of the mentioned brand.

For Korean cars, timing belts of the Dongil and Gates brands are most often installed in the original. Their quality is approximately the same. Although most often Gates belts are supplied to the domestic car market. Nowadays, even though the belts were produced by a third-party manufacturer, the name of the machine itself is also applied to their surface. For example, among other information on the belt you can see an inscription like Renault Gates or similar.

Often, to replace it, you buy not just one belt, but a repair kit, which also includes rollers. Often in such kits you can find individual parts from different manufacturers. For example, Gates belt, Ina rollers and so on. This applies to such reputable manufacturers as the mentioned company Ina, as well as NTN, ContiTech, SKF and others. In such cases, kit manufacturers always pack those belts (according to characteristics and brand) that are recommended by the vehicle (engine) manufacturer.

Which timing belts are better - BRT or Gates?

In November 2020, on PartReview, Gates timing belts were generally better than BRT.

1. Gates received a PR score of 74 out of 100, and BRT managed to score 72 points.
2. Gates took 2nd place in the ranking of the best manufacturers, and BRT took 4th place.
3. Gates' average review score (3.8) is higher than BRT's (3.7).
4. Gates timing belts have better property ratings than BRT:
   Whistle - owners believe that BRT has this feature better than Gates.
5. Durability - car enthusiasts claim that Gates has this property superior to BRT.

By what criteria to choose

In order to answer the question of which timing belt is best to choose, you need to decide on the technical parameters by which you need to select this spare part. From general considerations, we can say that the most successful solution would be to install exactly the same timing belt that came with the original car from the factory. This applies to both its size (and other technical characteristics) and the brand under which it was released. However, it is not always possible to find out this information, since, for example, the previous car owner installed a non-original spare part, and additional information needs to be searched.

When choosing a particular timing belt, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

• Technical specifications. This applies to the length of the belt, its width, number and size of teeth. These parameters depend on the specific engine.
• Value for money. It hardly makes sense to buy a frankly cheap belt. Most likely, it is either a fake or simply a low-quality product produced under a dubious brand. Therefore, monitor the price range and choose something in between.
• Manufacturer. It is advisable to choose belts manufactured under well-known brands. More often it will be one of the three above. However, there are several other manufacturers whose products are in the low price range, but their quality is quite good. Information about them is given below.

Timing belt rating

In order to answer the question in detail about which is the best timing belt to buy, we list the most common manufacturers of these spare parts in terms of popularity and quality. The above list is divided into two parts. The first contains more expensive and high-quality brands, and the second contains their budget analogues. It’s worth mentioning right away that the rating of belts from various brands is not of a commercial nature and does not promote any brand. It is compiled solely from reviews and operating experience found online. More expensive ones first.

Gates

Gates timing belts are installed on a wide range of vehicles. The main office is located in the USA, but its production facilities are located in many countries around the world. In particular, belts supplied to the territory of post-Soviet countries are manufactured in Belgium. The quality of original products is always at its best, and they are guaranteed to last the specified period. Among the shortcomings, one can note only a large number of fakes on the domestic market. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to pay due attention to this issue.

Gates produces timing belts from nitrile rubber and also from chloroprene. The first material is more technologically advanced and is intended for use in a wider temperature range and under high mechanical loads. In particular, at a temperature of +170°C compared to +120°C for chloroprene belts. In addition, a chloroprene belt lasts up to 100 thousand kilometers, and a nitrile belt - as much as 300 thousand!

Gates timing belt cords are traditionally made from fiberglass. This is due to the fact that this material is quite durable and lightweight. It has excellent resistance to stretching and tearing. Belt teeth can be one of three types of shapes - round, trapezoidal, complex. The most common belts are those with rounded teeth. They have the least amount of slippage in the engine and are also quieter.

As a rule, they sell not just Gates timing belts, but complete repair kits. They come in three types:

• The simplest one, containing only the belt itself, guides and tension roller(s).
• A medium configuration, which in addition to the equipment listed above additionally includes a coolant pump.
• The most complete one, which includes a water pump and thermostat. Such kits are intended for engines in which the thermostat is installed immediately behind the gas distribution mechanism drive.

Dayco

American company producing premium belts. However, for a car enthusiast, especially a domestic one, the problem when choosing is that 60...70% of the products on store shelves are fake. Another disadvantage is the high price of the product. For example, a timing belt kit with rollers for the engine of the popular domestic car VAZ-2110-12 costs about 35 dollars, which in rubles as of the beginning of 2020 is about 2,500 rubles.

There are three lines of Daiko timing belts:

• Series NN. The belts are made from a chloroprene mixture that contains sulfur. These belts are the simplest and cheapest, and are suitable only for use in low-power engines. They are not able to work under significant loads.
• HSN Series. These belts are made from nitrile rubber compound. They can be used in powerful gasoline and diesel engines. The belts are designed to withstand significant mechanical loads, including at high temperatures - up to +130 degrees Celsius.
• HT Series. The most technologically advanced option. The belts are covered with Teflon film, which protects the belt teeth from high mechanical loads, including damage to gear teeth. And this not only increases the service life of the belt, but also ensures its smooth operation throughout its entire duration. Dayco HT timing belts can also be used on engines with increased injection pressure.

If a car owner manages to buy a timing belt from Dayco, then you can be sure that it will last a guaranteed 60 thousand kilometers, provided it is installed correctly. In general, Dayco products are supplied to both the primary markets (as original products) and the Aftermarket (secondary market). Therefore, original products are definitely recommended for purchase.

Contitech

This company is a German offshoot of the world famous Continental company. It produces timing belts and other products, mainly for European cars (in particular, German ones). Original products of good quality. A very large assortment, you can choose a belt for almost any European car.

However, it has disadvantages similar to those of other manufacturers, namely a large number of counterfeit products on the shelves of auto stores. Another drawback is the relatively high price. For example, a set of belt and rollers for the popular Volkswagen Polo costs about $45, or about 3,000 rubles as of the beginning of 2020.

The rubber mixture from which Kontitech timing belts are made consists of:

• 60% - synthetic rubber;
• 30% - carbon black with the addition of Kevlar or aramid fibers, which gives the material high mechanical strength;
• 10% - various additives, the task of which is to provide control over the vulcanization process during the manufacture of timing belts.

Belt cord is traditionally made from fiberglass. As for the belt teeth, they are covered with polyamide fabric, and some models with Teflon film, which increases the service life of these timing belts.

Flennor

The company of the same name is part of the German Walther Flender Groupe. The advantage of this company is the fact that it specializes in the development and production of belt drives for various cars and special equipment. Accordingly, the quality of original products here is always excellent. Another advantage is the wide range of belts, especially for European cars.

The disadvantages include a large number of counterfeit products, as well as the considerable price of Flennor belts. For example, a timing belt with rollers for the popular Ford Focus 2 costs about $50 or 3,500 rubles.

A Japanese manufacturer that produces timing belts and other products for Japanese cars (in particular, for Toyota, Lexus and others). It does not produce belts for European cars. As for the quality, it is excellent; accordingly, products produced under this brand are definitely recommended for use by owners of Asian cars.

does not produce timing belts as a separate product. It produces repair kits, which may include components produced under its brand and those of its other partners. However, Ina's products are of quite high quality and widespread; they are installed as original ones on many cars all over the world. Reviews from auto mechanics also indicate the very good quality of these spare parts.

Now let's look at timing belts from the cheaper segment.

Lemforder

This brand is part of the subsidiaries of the ZF Corporation. In addition to it, the corporation also includes the companies Sachs, Boge, ZF Parts. However, Lemforder timing belts are the most popular among other brands. Lemforder timing belts have many advantages, including a low price, a wide range of products, and a small number of fakes. However, recently they have also come on sale. Belts are produced for most European cars, as well as for Koreans, Japanese, budget Chevrolets and others. Therefore, if Lemforder timing belts are 100% original, then they are definitely recommended for purchase.

BOSCH

This company needs no introduction; the range of products it produces is truly impressive. As for Bosch timing belts, they are produced in different countries of the world, including in the Russian Federation. Here, in fact, they are implemented. Many car owners note that products manufactured in Germany or other European Union countries are much higher quality than those produced in the CIS, India, and China.

Which timing belts are more popular - Gates or BRT?

In November 2020, on PartReview, Gates timing belts were generally more popular than BRT.

In terms of votes, Gates timing belts outperformed BRT:

• Gates had a ratio of positive votes (346) to negative votes (120) of 226 votes.
• For BRT, the ratio of positive votes (61) to negative (23) was 38 votes.

In terms of the number of reviews, Gates timing belts surpassed BRT:

• There are 144 reviews written on Gates timing belts: 98 positive, 18 neutral, 28 negative.
• There are 27 reviews written on BRT timing belts: 19 positive, 2 neutral, 6 negative.

How not to buy a fake

Currently, the auto parts market is literally overflowing with counterfeit products. Timing belts are no exception. Moreover, not only products belonging to expensive brands are counterfeited, but also mid-priced spare parts. Therefore, when choosing a particular timing belt, you need to pay attention to its quality and follow a few simple rules that will help minimize the likelihood of purchasing a counterfeit.

1. Make purchases in trusted stores. Regardless of what timing belt you are going to buy, cheap or expensive. It is best to contact an official representative of the manufacturer of the specific timing belt.
2. Study the packaging carefully. Self-respecting companies always spend a lot of money on high-quality printing. The printing on the boxes should be clear, and the images should not float. In addition, the product description must contain no grammatical errors. It is desirable that the packaging also have a hologram (although not all manufacturers apply it).
3. Carefully examine the belt and other elements from the repair kit. Directly on the outside of the belt there is always information about its purpose and characteristics. In particular, the brand, sizes, etc. are indicated. In addition, there should be no delamination, inclusions of foreign particles or other damage on the rubber.

Some manufacturers are introducing online verification of packaging originality. To do this, codes, drawings, QR codes or other information are applied to its surface, with the help of which a counterfeit can be clearly identified. This is usually done using a smartphone with internet access. Another option is to send an SMS with a code from the package.

Remember that a fake belt will not only not work for the time (mileage) allotted to it, but will also not properly ensure the operation of the gas distribution mechanism and other engine elements, the movement of which it ensures. Therefore, buying an original is the key to long-term operation of both the belt and the engine.

Myths and truth about fake belts

There is a common myth among inexperienced car enthusiasts that if there is a seam on the timing belt, then the product is defective. Actually this is not true. Almost all belts have this seam, since their manufacturing technology implies its presence. At the factory, belts are produced by cutting a wide roll with the appropriate geometric parameters, the ends of which are sewn together with strong threads. Therefore, you do not need to pay attention to the presence of a seam. Another thing is to evaluate its quality or the numbers indicating the number of such a band.

The next myth is that Teflon-coated timing belts are white. Actually this is not true! Teflon itself is colorless, therefore, when it is added during the manufacturing process of the belt, it will not in any way affect the color of the final product. Whether the belt is Teflon or not must be clarified separately, in the technical documentation for it or directly from the sales consultant.

A similar myth is that a Teflon belt always has the Teflon® inscription on its surface. This is also untrue. Information on the composition of the timing belt components must be clarified additionally. For example, many belts that are actually made with Teflon do not outwardly indicate this.

Conclusion

Choosing one or another timing belt is always a compromise of several decisions. It is advisable to install the same belt on the car engine that was originally provided by the manufacturer as the original one. This applies to both its technical characteristics and the manufacturer. As for specific brands, their choice largely depends on the price-quality ratio, the range presented, as well as simply availability in stores. You should not buy frankly cheap belts, since they are unlikely to last their intended life. It is better to buy original products or their high-quality analogues from the middle or higher price range.

Characteristics in the rating

The timing belt plays an important role in a modern engine - not only the reliable operation of the car depends on its quality. A broken belt drive can mean fatal engine damage (in many models the piston head bends the valves), so underestimating its role is costly.

The review presents different manufacturers that produce the best timing belts. Places in the ranking were distributed based on product characteristics, opinions of service center specialists and reviews of owners who preferred a particular brand.

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